Pronunciation: [a͡ʊtmˈat͡ʃt] (IPA) 
The word "outmatched" is spelled as /aʊt.mætʃt/. The first syllable "out" is pronounced with the vowel sound /aʊ/ which is commonly found in the word "house". The second syllable "matched" is pronounced with the vowel sound /æ/ as in "cat", followed by the consonant cluster /tʃt/ which is pronounced as a single /tʃ/ sound. The word means to be inferior to or surpassed by someone or something.
Outmatched is an adjective used to describe a situation where one individual, team, or entity is faced with an opponent or challenge that far surpasses their abilities, skills, or resources. It refers to the state of being overpowered, surpassed, or overwhelmed by an adversary, rival, or situation that is significantly stronger, more skillful, or better equipped.
When an individual or team is outmatched, they are at a disadvantage and find it incredibly difficult to compete on an equal footing. This can occur in various contexts such as sports competitions, academic pursuits, professional environments, or even interpersonal relations. An outmatched person often finds themselves unable to effectively counter their opponent's strategies, techniques, or resources, leading to a higher likelihood of failure or defeat.
This notion of being outmatched is rooted in the concept of comparing attributes such as strength, intelligence, experience, or capabilities. It suggests an uneven match, where one side clearly possesses a significant advantage over the other. Consequently, it becomes crucial for the outmatched individual or team to adapt their approach, seek alternative strategies, or acquire additional support in order to overcome the superior opponent.
In summary, being outmatched implies that an individual or entity is faced with an adversary or situation that surpasses their abilities, skills, or resources, leading to a significant disadvantage and increasing the difficulty of achieving success.
The word "outmatched" originated from the combination of two words: "out" and "match".
The word "out" comes from Old English "ūt", which is of Germanic origin and has the same meaning of "outside" or "beyond".
The word "match" comes from Old English "gemaecca", which means "companion" or "mate". It has its roots in Proto-Germanic, specifically from the word "ga-" meaning "together" and "makôną" meaning "to make". Over time, "match" acquired the meaning of "contest" or "rivalry".
Therefore, when combined, the word "outmatched" suggests a situation where one party surpasses or exceeds the abilities, skills, or resources of another in a competition or contest.
